Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1887-02-24
(Correspondenee Of the Beacon

Messrs Editors:-The widely circu-
lated ramor to the effect that Mr..
Manning's resignation was brought
about by rupture between the Secre
tary and the President has been effec-
tually disposed Of by the publication
of tie correspondence between them
upon the subject. The truth is doubt
less as Mr.. Manning states in his letter.
He found that the close attention me-
cessary in the discharge of his official
duties was task beyond his strength.
His friends, who had observed that his
health was being affected by his close
application, have continued to urge
that he should resign, and it is known
that he has had the matter in contem-
plation for some time past.
The air is filled with conjectures in
relation to the new Secretary Of the
Treasury, and very large number of
names have been suggested as persons
likely to receive the appointment. 1t
has been intimated that the President
seriously comtemplates offering the
portfolio to his old law partner, Wilson
S. Bissell, who is said to possess quail
tiles which eminently fit him for the
position.
The President has been somewhat
surprised at the number OF candidates
that have appeared for the FIVE posi-
tions as Commissioners in the Inter
State Commerce Commission. He is
determined to satisfy himself about
the capacity of the men before making
the appointments.
Notwithstanding the fact that but a
limited time remains to the present
Congress, and several of the appro-
priation bills are as yet Enacted upon,
there is no real foundation for the
report that an extra session Of Congress
is likely to be called. The best inform.
ed members Of Congress believe that
no session will be called, as nothing
but failure to pass the regular ap-
preparation bills before the 4th Of
March would ne, essitate it. The
unsettled question of Treasury sur
plus, important as it is, would not, in
itself occasion the calling of an extra
session, as the surplus will be largely
absorbed before the opening of the
session in December in redeeming the
remainder of the three per cent. bonds,
and in putting about S45, 100000 into
the Sinking Fund to be used in re-
deening the four per cent bonds.
The historic city of Alexandria,
which it will be remembered was, in
ante bcllum days, celebrated as the
principal ship-building point in the
South, bids fair TO regain her former
prominence. The old ship yards, which
have been for so many years idle, will
soon be transformed into a scene oil
activity such as was probably never
equaled, even in the palmy days OF the
past. The yards have been purchased
by the Arrow Steamship Company OF
New York City, who will put force
OF 5000 men at work upon the first
day of April. The company will at
that time commence the construction
Of the largest trans Atlantic iron steam
ship that was ever built upon this side
of the Atlantic. Tue vessel will be
$40 feet in length, with a tonnage of
$500. la the construction Of the
vessel every effort will oe made to
obtain the greatest possible speed.
The vessel, when completed, will con-
stitute one OF feet of fifteen ocean
racers which will be built by the com
pany.
Tie Democracy of the District has
sustained a serious loss in the death
OF time honored leader in the person
Of John f. Norris, Esq. This patriot
had, tor more than quarter Of a
century up to the time of his death,
been annually elected to the presiden-
cy of the jackson Democratic Associa-
tion-au organization at the National
Capital known and respected by public
men of all shades Of politics. Mr..
Norris was man who, by his sterling
worth, genial manners aud sincerity
o. heart, endeared himself to large
circle OF friends, including within il
men prominent in both branches of
Congress and elsewhere in official life,
His depth OF conviction, unainching
courage, disregard for his own per-
sonal interests, aad sarnestness in the
cause, made him pre-eminently the
recognized leader of the District De-
mocracy. He was a foreibls and I'm.
pressive speaker. logical reasoner, able
lawyer. and ripe scholar. On the day